Hughes reveals Euro relief
29 Aug 2008 - 07:31:51
Manchester City boss Mark Hughes revealed his relief after seeing his side qualify for the UEFA Cup following a penalty shoot-out victory over Midtjylland.
City trailed 1-0 heading into the second leg and saw their European hopes saved by Danny Califf's 89th minute own goal on Thursday evening.
That took the tie into extra-time before goalkeeper Joe Hart saved two penalties in the shoot-out to seal City's progress into Friday's draw.
Afterwards Hughes was delighted with the result, which came on a day when he also sealed the return of England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips to the club from Chelsea.
"It was difficult for us but we've got through so it has been a positive day all round," he said.
"We kept on knocking on the door. They were in the box-seat and could afford to get people behind the ball and play the counter-attack.
"We always had to be mindful of that but, in the end we got our rewards.
"You're always relieved. There are no easy games. It's a cliche but in Europe there aren't.
"I'm delighted, we showed a lot of character and I saw qualities and values in the team that I really liked tonight."
Meanwhile, Hughes believes the capture of Wright-Phillips for an undisclosed fee highlights the ambition City have for the new season.
"I think it sends a message and a statement of what we are about," he added.
"I think people now understand that actually Man City is a place that is an interesting thought for many people at the moment.
"Players want to come and join us, they can see the ambition that we have and where we want to go."